There’s much to do before your next vacation. After you’ve picked a destination and purchased your ticket, make sure you’re up to date on all the latest travel advisories and regulations. Whether you’re planning a trip in the U.S. or heading to an international destination, the airline industry and the Federal Aviation Administration enforce tough rules for travelers. Before you fly, make sure you’re up to speed on the travel requirements in your next destination.
Tickets
Beginning in June 2008, paper airline tickets will be curbed and travelers will be required to use electronic tickets for travel. This means shorter lines at the airport ticket desks and one less thing to remember before you leave the house. But, with paper tickets going away travelers will need to be cognizant of necessary information needed to check bags and board the plane.
No matter how you bought your tickets – online, on the phone or at a travel agency – be sure to check the airline requirements when you book your flights.
- With e-tickets, you will need to provide a reservation number or credit card at check-in. Make sure you have one or both items with you when you arrive at the airport.
- Always have a photo ID with you. A copy of your ticket and a photo ID is required at the security gate.
- Remember to reconfirm your ticket before you fly. You can access your flight information on the airlines Web site by using your confirmation code from your e-ticket. Any flight changes will be listed here and you can also check in for your flight 24 hours before departure for domestic flights and 72 hours before for international flights.
Passports and IDs
It’s not as easy to cross the border as it once was. Today’s passport laws have changed and make travel to other countries more complicated. Passport requirements have changed. Beginning in 2005, the U.S. government introduced a new policy called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which changed passport requirements for U.S. travelers booking flights to Canada, Mexico, Panama, Bermuda, and many Caribbean countries. Today, a passport is required for all U.S. citizens traveling outside of the United States.
For domestic air travel, all adult passengers must present some form of government-issued photo identification. A valid driver’s license or passport will work. For international air travel, all passengers (including children) must have a valid passport.
Visas
When traveling internationally, it’s important to determine whether or not you will need a visa to enter your destination. To get you started, check out this quick overview of visa requirements for U.S. citizens.
Double check visa requirements by contacting the Embassy of the country you are visiting. Review a complete list of U.S. embassies worldwide.
If you do need a visa, start your application early, as it can take weeks to process depending on your destination and you may need to send them your passport.
Visit the U.S. Department of State Web site for comprehensive information regarding passports, visas, and other documents required for smooth, safe air travel no matter where you’re headed.
Money
When planning for international travel, consider spreading your funds across credit cards, travelers’ checks, and cash. Travelers’ checks may be the safest way to carry money, but getting cash overseas has become a lot easier. ATM machines will usually issue local currency to foreign cards. Here are our top money tips.
Keep your funds in several different places.
- With travelers’ checks, keep your receipts separate from your checks.
- Carry enough local currency to pay for a taxi from the airport, meals, and the first hotel night if you haven’t already paid.
- Find a secure way to carry your funds and travel documents.
- Money belts are terrific for holding the bulk of your cash.
- For more information, check out our tips on currency exchange and money.
Insurance
You might already have some insurance coverage and just don't know about it. Check with your credit card company or auto club and see what’s covered during travel. Some travel insurance plans include overseas medical coverage; some just cover personal property and transportation expenses. Be sure to check with your current medical insurance provider to see what’s covered out of state and overseas.
For information on travel insurance, check out Travel insurance tips.
Make copies
Ever lose your passport while overseas? It’s not pretty. Avoid as much hassle as possible by making copies of all important documents before you go and store them in a safe place on your journey. Hint: do not keep the photo copies with your actual passport. Leave the copies in a safe in the hotel room, or in your locked luggage. To be extra safe, leave photocopies at home with somebody you can get in touch with in an emergency.
Immunizations
For some regions of the world, immunizations are necessary prior to travel. Proof of immunization is a requirement for entering some countries Anti-malarial medications may have to be started weeks in advance
Packing for your flight
You’ve gone through the checklist and made all of your arrangements. You’re more ready to fly than you ever thought possible, but you’re not done yet. Take a look at your luggage and make sure you've taken all security regulations seriously.
Checked bags
- Don’t lock your luggage – security will open them.
- Ask the airline how many bags you can check.
- Find out how much each bag can weigh.
Carry-on bags
- Ask the airline how many bags you can carry on.
- Carry everything you would need to survive if you lost your luggage. Consider: food, tickets, documents, change of clothes, medications, etc..
- Will you need a converter to use electric gadgets?
If you know you need to travel light, follow this time-honored advice: pack your bags, then take everything out, leave half of the clothes and books on your bedroom floor, and pack again.
Air travel security
There is no reason why new regulations should spoil your fun. Flying is the safest way to travel, but there are new requirements that you must adhere to. Be sure to check the latest Transportation Security Administration tips on air travel security and become informed before you fly. Review this carefully and consider some basics:
- Find out what you can take with you – and what is banned from airports and airplanes.
- Be prepared to slip off your shoes before boarding.
- Get a doctor’s note if you have metal in your body (such as pacemakers, pins from surgeries, etc.).
Moving on
Air travel has changed in the last few years, but there is no reason why anyone should be discouraged from flying. Make your lists, follow these steps, and have a great trip.
For more information on preparing for air travel, check our Travel links.
